Pick up a side “gig” to make extra money above and beyond your income…don’t let pride get in the way (I did when I was your age; new car, nice clothes, one job because I “went to school” to work one job; BS).

The other great advantage is of course the growing job market, as well as a lower cost of living compared to other cities.

You aren't going to sell tomorrow and make big gains but if you hold onto it for a long time you should see a nice return.

I rent specifically to contractors working short term jobs at a local petroleum refinery.

He has a good job lined up but won’t get the offer letter until May.This is a 20+ year veteran with plenty of savings and a solid financial plan. 

Sigh.Sometimes it seems like people go into real estate because they can't get jobs any where else.But then of course there are some fantastic agents.

If you've put nicer finishes into yours it will rent higher than units with similar beds/baths but not as nice.

Well, just the potential appreciation that could be seen with the 20,000 new jobs Intel is predicted to bring in with an average salary of $135,000 a year (currently over 2x the median house hold income in Licking County) - https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2022/01/24/mega-intel-c... 

Tenant “Y” has a 590, 3.2X rent, but just started a new job a week before applying and I did not feel comfortable renting to them for that reason.   

MY TENANT LOST THEIR JOB IN THE FIRST MONTH, AND I HAD TO EVICT THEM.